LAC 43:XV.5503. Prime Farmland: Soil Removal

A. Surface coal mining and reclamation operations on prime farmland shall be conducted to: 1. separately remove the topsoil, or remove other suitable soil materials where such other soil materials will create a final soil having a greater productive capacity than that which exists prior to mining; 2. separately remove the B horizon of the soil, a combination of B horizon and underlying C horizon, or other suitable soil material to provide the thickness of suitable soil required by §5507.A.1 that will create a reconstructed soil of equal or greater productive capacity than that which existed before mining, except as approved by the regulatory authority where the B or C soil horizons would not otherwise be removed and where soil capabilities can be retained; 3. separately remove the underlying C horizons, other strata, or a combination of horizons or other strata to be used instead of the B horizon. When replaced, these combinations shall be equal to, or more favorable for plant growth than, the B horizon. B. The minimum depth of soil and soil material to be removed for use in reconstruction of prime farmland soils shall be sufficient to meet the soil replacement requirements of §5507.A.1.